While the right side wins on departure, the left side provides superior views for most of the flight. You'll see the Appalachian Mountains during the climb across Pennsylvania, the Ohio River valley, and critically, the San Gabriel Mountains and Los Angeles basin on descent—the most dramatic and memorable portion of this transcontinental route.
Flown LGA to BUR? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
New York to Burbank is 2,454 miles (3,949 km), a flight of about 5 hours 15 minutes.
Appalachian Mountains (visible during climb through Pennsylvania and Ohio, running northeast-southwest), Ohio River valley (visible as a distinct river corridor through the Appalachian terrain), Great Plains (flat terrain visible during cruise over Kansas and Oklahoma), Rocky Mountain foothills (visible on the left during descent into California, particularly the Sangre de Cristo range on the horizon), Colorado River (visible as a distinct linear feature in the desert southwest during descent into Arizona/California)
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LGA
RIGHTLGA typically departs eastbound (Runways 04 or 22), and a right-side seat captures the immediate Manhattan skyline as you climb out over the East River. You'll see the full profile of Midtown and Downtown before banking westbound across New Jersey.
Landing at BUR
LEFTBUR uses Runways 08 or 26 depending on wind. On approach from the east (typical), a left-side seat provides the best view of the San Gabriel Mountains and the Los Angeles basin sprawl. You'll see the mountains rise dramatically as you descend toward the airport.
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Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from La Guardia (LGA) to Burbank Glendale Pasadena (BUR)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from New York to Burbank. While the right side wins on departure, the left side provides superior views for most of the flight. You'll see the Appalachian Mountains during the climb across Pennsylvania, the Ohio River valley, and critically, the San Gabriel Mountains and Los Angeles basin on descent—the most dramatic and memorable portion of this transcontinental route.
What can I see during takeoff from La Guardia in New York?
During takeoff from La Guardia (LGA), sit on the Right side for the best views. LGA typically departs eastbound (Runways 04 or 22), and a right-side seat captures the immediate Manhattan skyline as you climb out over the East River. You'll see the full profile of Midtown and Downtown before banking westbound across New Jersey. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline (Empire State Building, Chrysler Building visible as points in the cluster), East River, Upper New York Bay, Hudson River to the left during the westbound turn.
What can I see when landing at Burbank Glendale Pasadena in Burbank?
When landing at Burbank Glendale Pasadena (BUR), sit on the Left side for the best views. BUR uses Runways 08 or 26 depending on wind. On approach from the east (typical), a left-side seat provides the best view of the San Gabriel Mountains and the Los Angeles basin sprawl. You'll see the mountains rise dramatically as you descend toward the airport. Notable sights include: San Gabriel Mountains (prominent ridge running east-west), Los Angeles downtown skyline (visible as a distant cluster on the southern horizon during descent), Griffith Observatory area (hilltop visible north of the airport), San Fernando Valley urban grid.
How long is the flight from New York to Burbank?
The flight from La Guardia (LGA) to Burbank Glendale Pasadena (BUR) takes about 5 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,454 miles (3,949 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the New York to Burbank flight path pass over?
Appalachian Mountains (visible during climb through Pennsylvania and Ohio, running northeast-southwest), Ohio River valley (visible as a distinct river corridor through the Appalachian terrain), Great Plains (flat terrain visible during cruise over Kansas and Oklahoma), Rocky Mountain foothills (visible on the left during descent into California, particularly the Sangre de Cristo range on the horizon), Colorado River (visible as a distinct linear feature in the desert southwest during descent into Arizona/California)